Number Nine ... Number Nine .... Number Nine

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy listening to rebroadcasts each weekend of the American Top 40 radio shows from the 1970s and 1980s that are now syndicated across the country.

Last weekend was Casey's countdown of the hits from that same week in August 1971 and I was surprised to notice the astonishing staying power of that Top Ten some 37 years later. By my count, nine of the top ten songs from that week are still regularly played on rock and oldies stations today. Wow. 

Here they are.

10. Mercy Mercy Me                           Marvin Gaye

 8. Beginnings                                      Chicago
 7. It’s Too Late                                   Carole King
 6. Take Me Home Country Roads         John Denver
 5. Draggin’ The Line                            Tommy James
 4. Mr. Big Stuff                                   Jean Knight
 3. You’ve Got A Friend                        James Taylor
 2. Indian Reservation                           The Raiders
 1. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart   Bee Gees

The one song that doesn't get much airplay anymore was the novelty song at #9 that had been put together by a popular radio disc jockey named Tom Clay. Moved by the turmoil Americans had been hearing every night on the news - race riots, assassinations, Vietnam - he decided to promote love and tolerance on his 45. Clay recorded a medley of two recent popular songs, then edited in interviews he conducted with some children and added audio from the news.

What The World Needs Now/Abraham, Martin & John peaked the following week at #8 and here it is, courtesy of Casey Kasem. Please enjoy.

P.S. Oooooooh, no winner yesterday but thanks for playing. I am not kidding you when I report her name was Breeyaunauh.

Comments

[Geo]

Well you dodged that ten dollar giveaway bullet and..... so did we!

[alisa]

carole king's tapestry is one of my all time favorite records. and, there's just something about casey kasem's voice that brings back good summertime memories.

[irene]

dude....seriously get a fing life bean!!!!

[LiLa]

Do they repeat the long distance dedication? I remember listening to Casey on my portable am radio as kid. Now that I have an ipod, I rarely listen to the radio.

[LiLa]

I was out at our ranch yesterday, so I missed Saturday's blog, but Breeyaunauh would have been my guess. I'm always a day late.

[Vic Rattler]

Even Boomphreekka thinks that's silly.

[Keith Lowell Jensen]

Where do we find these re-broadcasts? I would love to listen to old countdowns.

[Ken]

This how freakin' old I am, I own five of those singles as 45's including #9

[Frances]

What is wrong with my people?! Just stop with the messed up spellings & messed up names!